Abstract: Organizational leaders and decision-makers who wish to enhance social and environmental impact should look to support youth by creating space for meaningful passion, participation, youth voice, collective action. Additionally, leaders and decision-makers must develop relationships with young people to further the reach of their goals and projects. ​

When one thinks of a wetland, it is possible that images of Shrek’s dark and creepy swamp come to mind. A place where misfits are rejected from society and sent to live among the undesirable. But in reality, wetlands in their natural state are beautiful, peaceful, yet vibrant landscapes that provide us with a place to relax, reconnect with nature, and enjoy many recreational activities. Not to mention, they are home to countless animals, insects and plants that could not survive anywhere else.

What are Wetlands?
But what exactly is a wetland? Well, there are many definitions, so it depends on who you ask. But generally, they are areas of moving or static water where the soil is seasonally or permanently wet. Not very specific, is it? That is because there are a variety of wetlands, all with their own characteristics, such as marshes, swamps, floodplains, coastal mangroves, and even coral reefs![i] Wetlands can be found around the world and provide us with many free benefits.

Why do we care about Wetlands?
Wetlands left in their natural state provide us, as human beings, with a variety of direct and indirect benefits (called ecosystem services) that contribute to our health, help fight climate change, support the global economy, and provide us with spiritual enrichment.[ii]
They contribute to our health by not only purifying and detoxifying water but replenishing underground aquifers, which 1.5-3 billion people rely on as their main source of drinking water.

As a result of their damp conditions, wetland plants grow faster than organic matter can decompose, thereby storing mass amounts of carbon (acting as carbon sinks).

They also reduce, delay, and even prevent impacts from floods by storing water.
​
Lastly, they are home to wonderful species such as frogs, salamanders, dragonflies, ducks, and fish, which provide us with a tranquil escape from city life and support ecotourism, which in turn, supports the economy. For example, 35-45 million people engage in recreational fishing in the United States alone, spending roughly $24-37 billion each year. Scuba diving around coral reefs also generates consider dough, about $30 billion each year and heavily rely on healthy, thriving ecosystems.

project, or write to your government representative and express ​your desire for change. In Canada, this would be your local MPP representative or your province’s Natural Resources Minister. 

[i] See Convention on Wetlands of International Importance. 1971. art.1 for the broadest definition of a wetland I have come across.
[ii] See Millennium Ecosystem Assessment. 2005. Ecosystems and Human Well-Being: Wetlands and Water for more statistics and descriptions of ecosystem services from wetlands.
[iii] Dugan, P. (ed.). 1993. Wetlands in danger: A world conservation atlas. Oxford University Press, New York.

If you’re curious to taste Japanese Knotweed, keep an eye out for their sprouting shoots in the early spring.* They grow very quickly so the earlier, the better.​

Discussing how to protect the environment and which level of government to hold accountable is a complicated thing. This article attempts to clarify the jurisdictional mess of environmental policy in Canada.  

within their boarders.[i]

In some cases, cooperation with Indigenous governments is required under Section 35 of the Constitution Act (1982), which protects existing Aboriginal and treaty rights.[ii] By law, federal and provincial governments are required to consult with Indigenous communities if their rights are potentially affected by decisions (referred to as ‘the duty of consult’). Some Indigenous groups have negotiated (in treaties) the right to self-government and the power to make laws. Therefore, environmental responsibilities of one government may also be shared with Indigenous governments on a regional level.
 
Shared Responsibilities
However, the protection of the environment isn’t actually mentioned in the Constitution. Instead, jurisdiction over environmental matters is understood as a shared responsibility between federal and provincial/territorial governments, which can really complicate efforts to protect and restore wildlife across the country.

An example is the protection of migratory birds. The federal government has signed on to international agreements for their protection by establishing sanctuaries along migratory paths. However, it is up to the provinces to enact regulations on the hunting of those birds within their boarders.

The federal government is also responsible for fish and inland waters but provinces that own public lands with water features (e.g. lakes, rivers, bogs, etc.) have jurisdiction over the wildlife and habitats within those lands. In essence, the federal government may have jurisdiction over broad, trans-boundary issues, but the provinces can enact laws in these areas if they are of a ‘local matter’. ​

natural resources and wildlife habitat may be viewed as competing with regional goals. Successful efforts to protect Canada’s environment are deeply rooted in a willing and cooperative effort among all governments.


Endnotes
[i] 56% of publicly owned lands across Canada are owned by the provinces/territories. The federal government owns about 44% - 11% of which is located outside the three territories - demonstrating how small the federal government’s jurisdiction is over land conservation across the country.
[ii] ‘Existing’ refers to those rights that were not formally erased by colonial governments.